Outside of their coach beating the “not mathematically eliminated” drum, the Union are running out of sources of inspiration these days.

That being said, further incentive to defeat D.C. United Thursday night — other than defending their home field late in the season in a nationally televised match against a regional rival — should not be required.

Well, there’s also the notion that a win for the Union (7-13-6, 27 points) against United (13-10-5, 44) at 8 p.m. at PPL Park could put a crack in D.C.’s playoff aspirations.

“Nothing could be sweeter,” Hackworth said Wednesday, during his weekly press address. “I think we use that to motivate us. But honestly, if I have to motivate somebody in that locker room, something’s wrong.

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“It’s a rivalry game. We’ve already had tension going back and forth, cards flying. ... I hope I don’t have to do too much motivation, but I guarantee I’m going to use everything i have to throw at them: Playing the last game in this (season) series at home, and we owe it to them. We want to put a little dent in their playoff hopes. We’re still in it by the way. ... until we’re out of it, we’re not going to concede that.”

Hackworth’s got to wring out every last drop of coercion on the Union, especially after playing so poorly at Toronto FC only to escape with a 1-1 draw over the weekend on an 85th-minute stunner of a goal from Sheanon Williams. The Union, who have not won since July 29, are on a seven-match winless streak.

So ... however mathematically viable the Union remain within the MLS playoff picture really doesn’t matter. Defeating United does, however. Things got a little testy last month in the nation’s capital, where the Union played to a draw with D.C. amid 33 fouls, nine bookings and innumerable shoves and jabs from players on both sides.

The irritation began even before that match, apparently.

“Like the fights in the tunnel?” Hackworth said, jokingly. “There were some words exchanged, but at the same time, look — while it gets heated when everything’s between the lines, when you cross them back into the locker room, things settle down.”

D.C. will be without Dwayne DeRosario, the league’s reigning MVP who has seven goals and 12 assists, while he is nursing an MCL sprain of his left knee. United are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, with only a two-point buffer elevating them above playoff-bubble occupant Columbus.

The Union, per Hackworth, don’t expect any absences beyond Michael Farfan, the midfielder who, after being booked Saturday at Toronto, will sit out due to yellow-card accumulation.

So the Union will have everything and nearly everyone to throw at United.

“Naturally, a home team is going to come out and push and here at home, we want to do the same, and that’s take the game to our opponent,” Hackworth said.